Get to Know the Staff

Rev. Connie Simon, Minister

On a sunny spring Sunday, all church members present, casting secret ballots, unanimously selected Rev. Connie to become their next settled minister. She is the first woman of color to be called to the position in First Church’s 188-year history. Rev. Connie’s journey to First Church began in the rural southeastern Pennsylvania community of Oxford. She is the youngest of four children. Rev. Connie gets her love of music from her mother who served as music director and organist of their Presbyterian church. A precocious student, she graduated from high school at 16, initially entering college as a music major. Soon, however, the lure of the television media age motivated her to earn a degree in telecommunications from Indiana University with her sights set on running the CBS network. When “they wouldn’t have me,” she accepted a full academic scholarship to Northeastern University School of Law in Boston. Rev. Connie’s diverse career history includes experience as tax counsel for the Massachusetts Department of Revenue, working at the corporate level in the telecommunications industry, a position in banking, owning a small business, and time in non-profit organizations. She loves tennis, dogs, crafting and genealogy. She says her most important role is that of sister, cousin, friend and “Aunt Connie.” Rev. Connie received her Master of Divinity from Unitarian Universalist (UU) seminary Meadville Lombard Theological School on May 20, 2018 – nine years after she entered a Unitarian Universalist Church in Philadelphia looking for a meditation session and finding a denomination. Rev. Connie enters her ministry at First Church at a time when the UU denomination is facing its own issues with inclusivity in leadership, seeking the path needed to embrace true multicultural diversity. She believes it’s a pivotal moment in UU history, and she’s glad she will be in Cincinnati as it occurs. You may contact Rev. Connie at 513.281.1564, ext. 1, or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. She is in the office on Tues., Wed., and Thurs. Please call for an appointment.

Meredith Plummer, Director of Lifespan Faith Development

Meredith is a second-generation Unitarian Universalist. Throughout her childhood she attended Heritage Universalist Unitarian Church in Anderson Township. She graduated Magna Cum Laude from Miami University in December, 2008, with a B.S. in education. Meredith came to First Unitarian Church in 2009 with 8 years' experience working with children and youth, and 2 years in management. She has two disabled daughters and currently serves on the Board of EqUUal Access, an independent UU organization committed to the full engagement of people with disabilities in our congregations and beyond. Meredith believes parents are their children's primary religious educators, and she is passionate about partnering with parents to raise the next generation of Unitarian Universalist change-makers.

Contact Meredith via This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or phone 513.281.1564, ext 3.

Jera Cox, Music Director

Jera grew up in Bryan, Ohio and became a church keyboardist at the age of 13. After moving to Cincinnati to attend CCM, Jera worked with many community theater groups as music director. She became keyboardist and music director at Hartzell United Methodist Church. After marriage, raising children, and divorce, Jera completed her B.A. degree in music from Xavier University. She recently earned a master's degree in secondary education while completing requirements for teaching certification in Music K-12. She is the band director at Reading Community Schools and has 11 violin and piano students. Jera came to First Unitarian Church in November, 2010 as keyboardist, and became Music Director in 2011.

Contact Jera via This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or phone 513.281.1564, ext 4.

Carrie Spiess, Director ofOperations

Carrie earned a bachelors degree in psychology from Northern Kentucky University, graduating with distinction and as a member of Psi Chi, the International Honor Society in Psychology. Carrie worked as a retail manager and human resources manager prior to staying home to raise children. She has been very involved in her community including as a past board member for the Clermont Chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness and Miami Township Soccer Club, NAMI Wellness Walk Coordinator, Miami Township Soccer Club Assistant Tournament Director and Team Administrator.

Contact Carrie via This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or phone 513.281.1564, ext 2.

Susan West, Office Administrator

Susan's background of service and ministry to others has prepared her well for her position at First Church. Susan earned her Masters of Divinity at the Iliff School of Theology and started her career as a United Methodist minister. She also has worked as a child and family counselor, a Family Services clinician and even as a law clerk. Perhaps most directly applicable to the work she does at First Church are her more than six years of experience as an administrative assistant and business office coordinator. On a personal note, Susan grew up in Owensboro, Kentucky. She has lived in Cincinnati since 2004 and is married to Bob Trombley.

Contact Susan via This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or phone 513.281.1564, ext 0.

Join us for our next Sunday service:

First Church‘s Minister and Board of Trustees have made the difficult decision to temporarily close our doors to help reduce the transmission of the COVID-19 Virus in the community.